Ex-Iceland worker from Deal Kay Dawkins launches bid for private prosecution after being 'punched in face by colleague' at Queen Street store

A former Iceland worker who claims she was assaulted in the Deal store is appealing for witnesses to help her bring a private prosecution.

Kay Dawkins, 50, from Deal, said she was attacked by a fellow member of staff in the shop in Queen Street.

CCTV does not cover the part of the shop where she says it took place and police have said they are not taking any further action due to a lack of evidence.

Iceland worker Kay Dawkins after the alleged assault

Mrs Dawkins said: "Customers would have seen it but no witnesses have come forward, which is frustrating."

She had been employed on the tills and the shop floor at Iceland for five-and-a-half-years and was working her notice when the alleged incident happened at the back of the store, at the end of one of frozen aisles, on Wednesday, April 2.

Mrs Dawkins said: "I turned around and she raised her fists towards me. She was punching me in the face. I ended up on the floor. I felt like a rag doll."

After suffering two black eyes, cut lips, bruises on her forehead and leg and shock Mrs Dawkins went to work the next day to finish her notice.

She said: "I actually went into work the next day. I don't know how, but I felt I had to be strong."

Mrs Dawkins has taken out formal and informal grievances with the shop's management, against the other worker, over the last year of them working together.

Kay Dawkins says she was attacked while at work at Iceland in Deal

She said: "I never confronted her, I always went through management. Things improved slightly after, but were never fully resolved. I handed my week's notice in to finish on April 3, because it was either my job or my health. I was and still am suffering with anxiety.

"I was going home upset and it was affecting my home life."

Mrs Dawkins has received a lot of support from customers and people she has seen in the town.

She said: "I made a lot of friends through the customers and I didn't want to leave. I consider myself loyal and hardworking.

"I'd hate for this to happen to another person. I feel she should pay the consequences of her actions. You can't get away with doing that, especially when you're at work.

"I just want justice for what's happened."

A fight broke out between staff at Iceland in Queen Street, Deal

Iceland, which is carrying out an investigation, has apologised for any upset the alleged assault may have caused customers.

A spokesman said: "It involved two members of staff, one of whom had already resigned and was serving her notice period."

Anyone who witnessed anything is asked to contact Mrs Dawkins on 07527 602506.